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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

414 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which specialities are being or will be provided at hospitals in Dublin and throughout the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11398/03]

The health strategy, Quality and Fairness – A Health System for You, commits the Government to the reform of the acute hospital system. Part of this reform entails a review of the configuration of specialist services in the hospital sector.

I established a national task force on medical staffing in February 2002 to make recommendations about how best to organise hospital medical staffing within the hospital system, having regard to the requirement of the European working time directive to reduce the average weekly working hours of non-consultant hospital doctors. The task force is examining the role and structure of acute hospitals so that they can provide the best possible service for patients in line with regional self-sufficiency and safe delivery of specialist care. The first report of the task force is not yet finalised. When it comes to hand, I will consider its recommendations and bring proposals to Government in the normal way. I understand, however, that it will not be recommending the closure of any acute hospitals.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

415 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to the provision of heart and lung transplant facilities which were promised six years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11399/03]

Final arrangements are being put in place to facilitate the commencement of the lung transplant programme in 2003. Considerable preparatory work has already been completed including the provision of appropriate assessment facilities required to support the development of the service and the appointment of key transplant personnel at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, which has been designated as the surgical site for the programme. Revenue funding of €7.9 million has been provided in the current year to support the commencement of the programme.

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